Hop to it: a global shortfall in hop flower production is good news for Canadian farmers (Photo by James Cridland)

• A global shortage has driven up the price of hops, turning it into a viable crop for small farmers again. For decades, U.S. subsidies and the might of multinationals has made it hard for Canadian growers to compete. A new generation of small farms is now growing the wily flower, which means we’ll be drinking more 100-mile brews. [Globe and Mail]

• The state of Utah will run out of liquor licences today, which means new restaurants will be able to sell booze only when another restaurant loses its permit. Over 80 per cent of Utah’s legislators, including the governor, are members of the alcohol-shunning Mormon Church. Governor Huntsman already angered conservatives when he eliminated the fee and application form required before patrons could enter a bar. That makes an increase to the liquor licence quota a tough sell. [Forbes]

• The Fat Duck has received a perfect rating by the Good Food Guide, just six months after hundreds fell ill from eating at the famous restaurant. Chef Heston Blumenthal’s signature dishes, such as egg and bacon ice cream, were apparently enough to shake the stigma and beat out Gordon Ramsay for top U.K. restaurant. [Telegraph]

• Eva Longoria Parker will open a second location of her restaurant, Beso, in Las Vegas with a ritzy bash this New Year’s Eve. The desperate housewife says she’ll check up on the location monthly, which makes the odds of Eva-spotting good enough to gamble on. [People]

• Fast-food roast beef is about to make a comeback. Arby’s plans to roll out 47 new locations this year, including a few in Canada. [CNBC]